Government will 'make every effort to identify alternative employment' for Cardinal Health staff - Burke

The government will "make every effort to identify alternative employment opportunities" for the 315 employees at Cardinal Health in Tullamore, who found out earlier today that the facility is to close.

That's according to Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke, who issued a statement after the medical devices firm confirmed the phased shutdown of its facility in the Tullamore Business & Technology Park, at the Sragh Industrial Estate, inside the next two years.

In a statement released a short time ago, Minister Burke said:

“My primary concern is for the staff and their families who are now coming to terms with the impact of this announcement. This industry has had a presence in Tullamore for over 40 years, well served by a loyal workforce and with considerable support from the IDA over the years. Cardinal Health has 315 employees in Tullamore.

“I have been engaging and will continue to engage with the company. Following this morning’s Town Hall meeting with staff, and along with the IDA and my Department we will work with the company management and with staff on current and potential future possibilities. We will make every effort to identify alternative employment opportunities for the staff affected by this announcement.

“As a country we are at full employment, with strong demand for medtech and life sciences skills and we will work to help employees impacted to find alternative employment.”

The Minister went on to point out that we have a strong cohort of indigenous firms in the medtech sector which Enterprise Ireland is working with to further develop and expand including attracting experienced staff in the sector. The Local Enterprise Offices will provide advice and training for any employees in the sector who have ambitions to start their own business.